BBC News Online: World: South Asia

Sri Lanka army 'forced back'

The rebels are pushing to take Jaffna after a string of spectacular successes in recent weeks against government forces.

In a statement, the government said its troops "had to readjust their defences temporarily" and move back from Ariyalai, five kilometres south-east of Jaffna.

However, it says it then launched a counter-offensive which lasted five hours.

The government said there had been many rebel casualties.

It said nine soldiers had been killed and 86 wounded in overnight fighting east of Jaffna.

It also said the Tigers were mounting fresh assaults at Thanankilappu, but troops supported by helicopter gunships and artillery were fighting back.

With the rebels moving closer to Jaffna, aid agencies have expressed fears for the safety of civilians.

Civilians have been seen leaving for safer areas in the Jaffna peninsula, although others are staying put for the time being.

Fight on

With the army facing a renewed rebel advance, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has called on government troops to stand firm.

Residents say there is no sign of panic and troops are still patrolling the town, which is under curfew.

Message to the troops

Mrs Kumaratunga told the troops they possessed the capability and determination to defeat the enemy.

"Let us learn lessons from our recent setbacks and march forward to wipe out the LTTE terrorism completely and for good," the president said.

Mrs Kumaratunga said steps were already being taken to supply the troops with the "most modern armaments, equipment and technology" needed to defeat the Tigers.

An official in Israel said they had agreed to sell Sri Lanka eight Kfir fighters.

The two countries restored diplomatic relations last week.

BBC Colombo correspondent Susannah Price says this is unlikely to be any comfort for troops defending Jaffna town at the moment.

Click here to see map of recent fighting

According to rebel accounts, the Tamil Tigers are now just one kilometre east of Jaffna town and are advancing.

However, there was no evidence of people moving out and residents said a daylight curfew meant those without special passes stayed indoors.

Following the Tigers' announcement, 80% of the patients at the Jaffna hospital, which is situated near an army camp, were discharged and sent home in army ambulances.

The LTTE's clandestine radio station also broadcast a call for government soldiers in Jaffna to surrender.

There have also been reports of fighting in other areas of the peninsula. The Tigers said there had been intense battles in the Chavakachcheri sector, another densely populated area to the west of Jaffna town, also on the main highway.

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